Iowa's offense takes step backward in recent weeks

Iowa quarterback Jake Rudock walks on the sidelines after getting injured during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, in Iowa City, Iowa. Wisconsin won 28-9. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
(The Associated Press)

Iowa running back Mark Weisman dives for yardage as he is tackled by Wisconsin nose tackle Beau Allen, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
(The Associated Press)

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, right, talks to the line judge during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, in Iowa City, Iowa. Wisconsin won 28-9. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
(The Associated Press)

With less than a month left in the 2013 regular season, Iowa's offense is starting to look more and more like the 2012 version.

That's not a good thing for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa (5-4, 2-3 Big Ten) has taken a big step backward the past two weeks. The Hawkeyes have scored just 19 points in regulation and are now tied for 11th in the Big Ten at 25.3 points per game heading into Saturday's game at Purdue.

The rushing game, once among the nation's best, is now averaging a pedestrian 4.3 yards per carry. The passing game isn't much better, with just 205 yards per game and 12 TDs against 10 interceptions.